.. sorry for the delayed response, I was off grid with a backpack on for 4 days
PeteCress wrote:
If water tolerance were not a requirement, would you feel comfortable recommending Rack-and-Roll?
Yes, I feel it is a very well designed trailer with the swing-arm suspension (like a motorcycle rear) and large tires = less rotation per mile .. which means slower bearing speeds. While I have no direct experience with them, my local Hobie dealer sells them and uses one himself to deliver AI/TI's all over Long Island NY. He Loves it.
.. just to expound on my comment about SportsRig a bit - I bought a used AI With the SportsRig for very cheap ($1600 for both) so it was almost like getting a free trailer. The SportsRig is powder coated steel, and the powder coating is pealing / flaking off even though it was never subjected to actually being "IN" salt water. Also, when I first bought it, I tried contacting the Co. repeatedly and it was if they closed shop and disconnected the phone even though they still had the website up and supposedly taking orders. I had signed up for their news letter, and after about a year I got pinged that they were back in action and taking orders
No phone number listed and only a web presence, AND NEVER ANSWERED MY INQUIRIES
. I get the feeling its a side gig for some Cali guys ..
Because our Yaks are so long, you will need the largest extended tongue they offer and there will still be quite a bit of overhang behind the trailer - check with your DMV as to what is allowable. I only use the trailer for local outings and have never been hassled. Also, with the large tongue installed it will not collapse without removing the tongue. On mine, the huge tongue is two pieces butted together with an inner joiner. This creates a weak spot and it flexes there as well as the collapsing pivot point. I plan to eventually replace that whole setup including the pivot with one long piece.
Quote:
I just made a second attempt with the Hullavators. Still scared me and I couldn't get it to lift. I think something bent in the Hullavators too because now they are reluctant to engage the hold-down mode and difficult to squeeze the release handles.
Most roofs are curved from the back cross rail to the front cross rail - here's a crude paint drawing to illustrate. I think it is because the arms aren't parallel that you are getting the binding / distorting. I solved this easily because I made my own roof rack and was able to correct the geometry with some simple washers .. YMMV
In the picture, imagine you are looking side-on and the hullivators are UP but not collapsed down on the roof.
Here's a pic of the SportsRig - it has extension bars on the rear bringing the rear cross brace back a foot or two from where it would normally be (on the regular SportsRig or the Rack&Roll).
I heard rumor that this trailer was specifically designed for Hobie when the AI was released but they decided to go with trailex instead ?
[URL=http://s101.photobucket.com/user/69gs400s/media/SportRigXUVhobie_zps4cb01989.jpg.html]